Engineers

A. David Erpelding

Patent Engineer
Voice: 408-377-0500
Fax: 408-377-0501

Practice Focus

Dave Erpelding brings more than 30 years of advanced technology process and product experience to his work as a patent engineer with Wagner Blecher. The firm's IP attorneys draw on Dave's expertise in computer disk drive technology for their patent prosecution work. He also drafts and helps prosecute patent applications. Drawing on his management experience with two global technology companies and on his business analysis and strategy development background with his own firm, Dave has advised clients on several occasions of further patent opportunities.

Dave has been issued 32 U.S. patents, many of which are used in IBM and Hitachi products, and has five patent applications pending.

Notable Experience

Dave invented, established and helped bring to market the current industry standard for head suspension technology, known as Integrated Lead Suspension (ILS). He helped expand ILS core competencies as a senior engineer with Hitachi Global Storage Technologies, and in several management and engineering capacities with IBM Corp. At IBM Dave was also involved in new product development decisions spanning company facilities in North America, Asia and Europe, and had extensive technical involvement with disk drive components and assemblies. Dave served on IBM's and Hitachi's Patent Review Boards, and was involved in patent portfolio management and patent defense at both companies.

Technology Focus

  • Computer Disk Drives
  • Integrated Lead Suspension (ILS)
  • Complex Electromechanical Applications
  • Data Storage Devices
  • Semiconductors

Education

  • Loyola University of Los Angeles
  • B.S.M.E., 1972